7 Years Later

I turned 30 in 2005.  Being that my birthday is around the first weekend of November, I thought it would be fun to celebrate this milestone birthday with a trip to NYC to run the marathon, coincidentally also the first weekend in November.  At the time I lived in Orlando and this was a big trip.  I registered for the marathon lottery and anxiously awaited the results.  At the end of April, 2005 my check cleared and I knew that I had gotten in!  That summer it was boiling hot in central Florida.  I had started a new position in a new town and, with the exception of the Georgia Rock N Roll Man in June, I did little more than a few 5k runs and sprint distance triathlons.  Before long it was Labor Day weekend and I joined some friends for a 15K race in Orlando ---it was my longest run in months.  A marathon is 40k.  I had exactly two months to get from 9.3 miles to 26.2.  A month later my car was hit from behind.  Despite this set back and being severely under trained, I decided to soldier on and follow through with my grand plan. 



 A Very Unhappy Coach T - 2005



What followed were 20 of the most miserable miles of my life.  At least that's how I remember it.  I think the pain didn't actually set in until I passed the half way mark.    When I registered, I thought I would finish the run in 4 1/2 hours or so.  I did not.  I thought it would be exhilarating.  It was not.  I cried for the last several miles: Part from pain, part from disappointment.  When I crossed the finish line after 26.2 excruciating miles, I let the catchers (volunteers at the finish) help me hobble to the medical tent where someone massaged my aching legs.  I then hobbled to pick up my supplies that had been transported from the starting line, cursing the fact that I had to make my way all the way to the "R", then hobbled back to the hotel, stopping for sushi on the way for some much needed sustenance.  It was only then that I used the restroom for the first time since before the race - on top of everything else I now knew for a fact that my nutrition for the past 24 hours was completely off.  On top of everything else, I had what I now know was a mono relapse upon my return home. 

Here is my summary from that day:

Race	Last Name, First Name (Sex/Age)	Time	DIV	Net Time	State, Country
New York City Marathon 11/6/05	Russo, Theresa (F30)	5:52:23	F30-39	5:50:52	FL, USA

All of a sudden, 7 years have passed.  A couple of months ago I decided on a whim to enter the marathon lottery being that this year's race is the day after my birthday.  I had read that it's harder than ever to get in without a qualifying time so I figured that it couldn't hurt.  I did not expect to get in again (what are the chances?).  So on April 25th, I anxiously awaited filled with both anticipation and dread to see if I was one of the "lucky ones".  Nothing.  I checked my bank account to see if the entry fee (which has increased over 100% by the way) had come out.  Nothing.  So I went to lunch.  After, I checked my account one more time and there it was - for the second time my registration fee was my indication. 

Congratulations! You're in and have unlocked the official 2012 ING New York City Marathon I'm In to Finish Badge

And so I am.  I am IN to FINISH.  7 years later my training has already begun and I have a clear plan for then next 6 months.  7 years later I will have my husband and children waiting at the finish and my daughter likes it when I smile so no tears allowed.  7 years later I don't have to fly to the race.  7 years later I know not to increase my mileage too much too soon.  7 years later I often run without headphones but with water/sports drinks.  7 years later I know that the world won't end if I don't finish.  7 years later the feeling is bittersweet - I had an early morning breakfast with my dad who has since passed - I know to savor every moment.  I have learned from the past and am ready to tackle this in the near future.  You can learn a lot in 7 years.

Watch out NYC - I'm IN.